I can't remember exactly when I first saw the first Descriptive Apparel tee come across my Instagram feed but ever since then, I seem to see the white tees with positive + affirming messaging at every turn. Maybe since we travel in some of the same blogger circles, our paths were destined to cross and I am certainly glad it was sooner than later. Founder Kerri Koen is one of those gals who had an idea and when the creative juices are flowing, sometimes you just can't stop them! Her vision is coming to life and her tees' messages are resonating with gals just like me. Her Mama Bear tee allows me to show the people of the world that I am proud to be a mother + I will protect my lil' cub with a fierceness you don't even realize... but, well, the t-shirt makes it simpler to explain than that. I had a chance to ask Kerri a few questions about her brand and where she sees herself in the future. 

Give us a little detail as to how Descriptive Apparel came about. What initially drove you to start DA as a brand? 

The idea of the “Fire Wife” tee has been on my mind for a while.  I had this daydream of a crisp, white tee with black script.  No red or firetrucks, just something cute and classy that I could dress up or down.  Last September, I was right in the middle of this really busy orientation at my office when I realized that my husband knew a screen printer that could bring my idea to life.  It was the worst possible timing, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  Starting with something as specific as a shirt for wives of firemen seemed too small, so I went back to the drawing board and came out with “Over Achiever.”  I was doing designs and building a website at night, taking calls between meetings, and sending my husband all over town to get it off the ground, but it was so worth it.  I love the creative outlet that DA provides, and the community of women that I’ve been able to connect with is simply amazing. 

When creating your products/tee phrasing, where do you take inspiration from? 

I want the descriptions on our tees to always be positive and motivating, and to reflect how real women feel about themselves.  My inspiration comes from the women all around me that are doing amazing things every day.  We work, play, and love.  We raise babies, support our partners, and encourage our friends.  I want there to be a Descriptive Apparel tee for all of these things.  Currently, we have Over Achiever, Mama Bear, Fire Wife, Wanderer, and Like a Girl, but the list of upcoming descriptions is so long!  And, of course, I am always open to requests.

Who do you hope to reach with your Descriptive Apparel messaging?

Women!  To be more specific, hardworking, butt-kicking, non-stop women.  I see so many of us working our way to the top of a company or industry, or starting our own business, or raising amazing little people.  Too many of us are afraid to say just how amazing we are.  Why not WEAR how amazing we are?  The roles that we play every day – and there are a lot of them! – make a difference in the lives of so many.  I love the idea of being able to describe ourselves with something as simple as a t-shirt.

What do you love to do in New England, when you aren't busy running Descriptive Apparel?

I am a lake-girl at heart, so in the summer months you can always find me on my parents’ boat up in Maine.  In the winter, I mostly hibernate!  I am such a home-body, which I am learning to embrace as I get older (maybe a new t-shirt idea?).  I love to visit restaurants, whether it be at my favorite local spot with my husband, or grabbing a few cocktails & appetizers somewhere in Boston with the girls. 

You have certainly hit the ground running! Where do you see Descriptive Apparel headed in the future?

Right now, I am excited to expand options beyond our signature tee.  A muscle tank is currently available for pre-order, and a long-sleeve is in the works.  I definitely do not want to exclude the men in our lives forever, because I know they are out there doing amazing things as well.  But expect lots more options for the ladies before we take on dressing gentlemen. 

I am excited to watch Descriptive Apparel grow and reach new audiences. Want to get in on the action? You can find Descriptive Apparel 

on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter so be sure to join the conversation and follow Kerri's journey! 

The Golden Globes in Emojis

I usually do a recap of the fashion of the Golden Globes since it is pretty much the first red carpet event of the movie year but this year I thought I would do something different. Not that I didn't think the fashion was "all that" ( I mean, Kate Hudson and Amy Adams hello) but there were some pretty fun, sweet and emotional moments in the awards show that I thought I would highlight... but how to highlight these moments, without doing the same post everyone else is doing... emojify it! OK, I am sure if you were live tweeting the awards show, you must have seen the following tweet, which by the by, made me legitimately laugh out loud. A lover and avid user of emojis, Katherine Zeta Jones' bent back arm? Everything. Here are some of the night's best moments, as depicted in emojis.

Thankful for these Blogger Inspirations!

This post is inspired by something another blogger (but mostly friend) did last week. She did a little Halloween trick or treat with some of her favorite bloggers, simply by picking some things that she really likes about them or their blog or a specific blog post... Check out Kelly's Blog-ger-Treat Gets Me Every Time to see what I am talkin' about. It was because she felt like shouting out some things that she liked about us. Let me tell you that it touched my little blogger heart, on the realz... so I decided to do something almost the same, except obviously not for Halloween (hello, it's November!). I am going to go with a "Thankful" theme, since Thanksgiving is this month... and also, I'm thankful, super thankful to have all manner of inspiration coming from the ladies of the crafty internet community. I am a creative/crafty person but sometimes, I need to look to other creative, like minded people to get the juices flowing and as a bonus, learn some best practices on living life... The following ladies are on my creative and crafty crush list for sure.

See Kate Sew: Can we jump on the faux fur trend please? The fabulous Kate has all manner of faux fur sewing projects on her blog but my absolute faves have to be the adorable cropped jacket for girls and for women. Hello, matching for Mom and Daughter? Amazing. Kate's blog has a pleathera of amazing projects that are great inspiration and aren't out of your skill level, I promise! I "sew" want to be her friend! #Isewloveyou

Domestikated Life:  Here's another Kate who is the cat's pajamas. This girl is like the whiz kid of whipping up a fabulous cocktail or setting the scene for a super stylish gathering. Hello, check out some shots from her Mingle Magazine highlights. She is amazingly talented and cute to boot... I know, because we've met. She happens to be half of the fantastic team that runs Boston Bloggers (shout out to Alison of  Long Distance Loving) #stylishsistah

Gets Me Every Time: Kelly over at GMET is adorable, sweet and a little quirky (something Mama certainly appreciates). She has a crafty streak (check out her Toyidermy) but is also thoughtful about things in general. Check out her Reasons to Journal, which makes me want to start documenting my thoughts, because so many good ones get away from me, I'm sure of it. #thankyouforbeingyou

Elizabeth Crane Swartz: Besides her dreamy hand painted jewelry, ECS has an inspiring attitude on life. Every time I am in her presence I feel like a "cooler" person just for knowing her. She has an amazing relationship with her children/husband/puggle while also being her own person with her own projects. She also has a pretty awesome personal style that looks effortless and chic. Every.Single.Time. #jealousofyourcoolness

What the Craft: Lexi over at What the Craft is pretty amazing. Her site is a who, what, where, and how on crafty goodness. Kick ass sewing patterns, tutorials and lots more, this site is something I could only dream to achieve. Her level of crafty-ness is the highest. The crafty-ness overflows. I kind of want to make this half apron, to do all the baking I don't have time to do. Just one of many awesome tutes for yous guys to enjoy. Seriously, get lost on this site and you'll be inspired. #inspirationfordays

Crafty Chica: Spreading positivity through creativity. Boom. Kathy Cano-Murillo is kind of a big deal in the crafty world. She is an award winning author, paints like a dream and has great Day of the Dead crafts if you like that sort of thing (I like that sort of thing, A LOT) . Based on my love of puff paint and RIT dye, her Instagram sings to me... who am I kiddin', almost everything she does sings to me. Plus, I think if I were ever to meet her, she seems like she'd be such a genuinely nice lady. #craftpaint4life

Who are you thankful to be able to take creative inspiration from in your every day?

Sponsored Video: INSPIRED Presented by Moroccanoil #inspiredbywomen

Are you inspired by women around you? I know that I take inspiration from all types of amazing women in this world. If we don't support one another then we really can't call ourselves powerful women. Morocconoil has teamed up with some really innovative and amazing women in their #Inspiredbywomen series. It's a series that discovers beauty through inspiration and I can honestly say that watching the videos on Youtube, makes me want to actually hunker down and do something to make a difference in this world. What am I doing to make a difference? It truly only takes one person to make a difference and why can't that person be me? 

I am a Sara Bareilles Convert

So last night was my first Sara Bareilles concert. My friend Alicia had grabbed two tickets to her October show at The Orpheum Theater in Boston, MA and asked me to come. In all honesty, a month ago, I only knew Love Song, King of Anything and her new one, Brave... because they play them on the radio stations that I listen to. Alicia lent me her copy of the newest DC, The Blessed Unrest, and I legit listened to it on repeat for the past month in preparation. You know, so I wouldn't be sitting there with a blank stare on my face while everyone else was oozing excitement (which they were).

Alicia gushed leading up to the show. Oh, Sara is so talented. Oh Sara is so funny, she tells stories and is just hilarious. Sara is gorgeous and so on and so forth. Alicia has a self proclaimed girl crush. After listening to the CD, I had my favorite songs and was prepared to mildly enjoy the show. Truth be told, I didn't really feel that great so wasn't stoked about staying up late for a concert... but that all changed when we got to The Orpheum. The Amanda who said "I hate opening acts" turned into the Amanda loving Harper Blynn, Sara's opener. The Meh feeling I had turned into complete adoration of Sara Bareilles. Everything Alicia gushed about was completely spot on. She was effing amazing. So talented, hilarious and gracious with an audience that I found annoying at times (stage rushers ugh). I am a total Sara Bareilles convert and will be first in line next time Sara is in town. Moral of the story? I need to be more open minded about music. There are pretty amazing artists out there that I need to experience.

You can follow Sara's escapades on Twitter and Instagram. She is fairly hilarious. 

An Ode to Delia Ephron

I write this post as an ode to Delia Ephron. Technically an "ode" is related to music but at the end of the day, what do I care?  I saw Delia speak a couple weeks ago at the Massachusetts Women's Conference. While I owed her and #MassWomen this post directly afterwards, boy is this dang wedding taking up a lot of my time! (2 weeks to go people!) Anyhow, I have to say that out of all the brilliant keynotes and breakout session speakers at the conference, Delia Ephron was the most honest, touching and entertaining out of the bunch, in my opinion (with Brene Brown in a close second).

When I first looked at the schedule of speakers and the breakout sessions, I was immediately drawn to the Delia Ephron breakout session because, admittedly, I love The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which Delia penned the screenplay for. The session topic was basically dealing with crossroads in your life and working through them. My first impression was, eh, while I really want to hear Delia speak, I don't really consider myself at a crossroads. I'll just plop myself in the sesh and see if I can glean anything fun or interesting from this talented author. Once I was there in the flesh? It was a totally different story. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved Delia, her attitude and that fierce leather jacket.

Of course, she warmed up the crowd with one of my favorite topics, SHOES! She was looking natural and comfortable that day, wearing what she feels is one of the best items in a woman's wardrobe, her boots.

Once, she started getting into the meat of her session, Delia began to tell her story of how she became an author, what led her and brought her to where she is today. She spoke of family and of her relationships with those in her life, citing funny things her Dad said to her growing up and learning from her sister, author Nora Ephron. I could type out all the notes I took as I was feverishly trying to remember all the nuggets of wisdom or just plain amusing things that Delia said. Rather than doing that, I will just share some of my favorite quotes from Delia that day, which I can honestly say are some inspirational sticky note shiz, my friends.

In regard to women having the career, the family, the husband, the kids, etc... "Having it all is different for every woman." Amen, sister.

In regard to supporting women in your life and building eachother up."You're sisters with every woman you meet and don't forget it." Girl, preach it.

In response to an inquiry from an audience member about searching for your passion, while Delia didn't have the perfect answer for the woman, (I mean how can you direct someone on how to find something that has to be organic) Delia said something I loved. "An ideal life consists of things you're passionate about whether it's statistics or Crème brûlée." WORD.

At the risk of sounding a little creepy, I just thought Delia was awesome and I am so happy that I scooted up front to catch her session. I have a new appreciation for her work and also for the actual crossroads I happen to be at in my life. I so enjoyed her and the women that were in the session with me.

Huffington Post article on Delia's Session: huff.to/SBu6WE

You can grab Delia's latest book, The Lion is In, which I am bringing on the honeymoon with me, because dang if I have any time before then. Let me know if you've read it or if you attended the session at #MassWomen, I'd love your thoughts on it!

Massachusetts Conference for Women 2012, Morning Keynotes

As some of you may already know, I attended the Massachusetts Conference for Women this past week. At the largest conference of it's kind in the United States, me and 8,000 of my closest friends, all got together for some serious "woman power" moments... and maybe a couple of tearful moments as well. It was one those things, where the night before I was stressed about getting up earlier, getting there on time, looking good but being comfortable... all the things that weigh on me when my "norm" is changed. Once I was settled at my breakfast table, preparing for the first keynotes, I was able to get myself excited and began to feel the energy of everyone around me.

Massachusetts Conference for Women, December 6th, 2012

I was driving home from my friend's house late last Saturday night, and I happened to hear a radio ad for the Massachusetts Conference for Women, taking place on December 6th in Boston. I normally wouldn't pay any attention to a conference that would take me out of work a day (hello, goodbye vacation day) but I happen to have the week of December 4th off, in order to get some shiz done for this impending wedding of mine. So I made sure to grab the pertinent information that I could and google it as soon as I got home. When I talked to the man about it the next morning, to hit him with the possibility of spending more money on something we technically don't need, he was immediately, super supportive. Something he has been pushing for awhile now, is making sure that I am capitalizing on my schooling and taking advantage of opportunities as they come, this conference being no exception.

Links a la Mode: IFB Weekly Roundup (I'm Included!)

Super excited to be in the IFB Weekly Round up, GIRL POWER links of the week. Check out all of my counterparts this week and be sure to leave comments, we love comments!

MAN, I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN

Edited by: Victoria of vmac+cheese

There was a time in the mid-90s when girl power was all the rage (thank you, Spice Girls!). While midriff baby tees might have fallen out of fashion, now more than ever bloggers prove that girl power is still in full effect.Whether it’s donning a lacy top, a beautiful lip color, or even raising a glass to the original girl power movement of Rosie the Riveter, fashion bloggers know better than anyone else how to celebrate being a woman! In honor of National Women’s History month, check out these posts that are all about the things that make being a woman fun.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: MARCH 8TH

• 40+ Style: How to update your wardrobe and wear the spring 2012 trends: graphical
• Aspiring New Moms: Nautical Sophisticate // A black blazer and Sperry Topsiders
• Chic Stay at Home Mom: Mom Outfit Transformation Take 1
• Fashion Moriarty: What is fashion’s role in negative body image?
• Fashionopolis: Street Style Inspiration: Neon!
• First Came Fashion: Dynamic Duo.
• Homes & Heels: From Day to Night #2
• I Have a Degree in This: Lady Inspiration Week: 20 Somethings
• J. Rose Style: A Personal Stance on Photo Retouching
• Life in Magazines: Confessions of Prepster
• Made to Travel: Celebrate Women’s History Month with Real Rosies
• Make the World a Prettier Place: Roaring Twenties SS 2012
• My Fashion Wish List: The Must Have Item
• Prim and Propah: We are all Barbies
• Simply Frabulous: The Roaring Twenties
• Soulful Soles: Black is the new black
• The Classic Woman: A Peek Inside a Classic Woman’s Closet
• The Merchant Project: Introducing The Misses
• The Style Confessions: Three Decadent Burgundy Lipsticks (from the drugstore!)
• What Would Ashley Wear?: Wardrobe Staple you Need: The Neon Pink Blazer

SPONSOR: :
New Sandals at Shopbop: Ras, Yosi Samra, Kalmanovich, LK Bennett, Aquazzura, Minkoff, Rachel Zoe, Acne, Miista, Premiata, Loeffler Randall, Sam Edelman Sandals; Pelle Moda Shoes

An Ode to Create! Sewing Studio

So I just finished my last session of my first real sewing class since half a semester in Home Ec circa 1997... and I have nothing but great things to say about my Wednesday night's sewing at the local Create! Sewing Studio in Acton, MA.

My previous experiences sewing were always what was right for me in that moment, not always what was right for the project in the long run. Couple that urge to take shortcuts with some impatience and you had some shoddy sewing skills at times. The first step in getting better is admitting you have a problem... Enter classes (and a little positive reinforcement) at Create! with owner Rebecca and instructor Darlene and I am on my way to taking my time and following directions more carefully. The two of them combined have so much experience, it makes my head spin! Being with them and my classmate, Sarah (darling), I got feedback and just good ol' fashioned "Sewing Circle" time. I can honestly say that I have definitely built on the skills that I had prior and with a dash of Rebecca and Darlene's tips and tricks (and how to use a Ham!), I am on my way to getting better and really, that is all that I can ask for.

Sarah (my classmate) and Darlene working on a reversable Holiday themed apron. ADORABLE!

I just loved the atmosphere, trading tips and getting recommendations.

Owner and Founder Rebecca (left) and Instructor Darlene (right)

HEART THEM!

I will surely be going back in the Spring to sink my teeth into some more in depth projects (with scarier aspects that I may not have dared attempt on my own) but in the meantime, I will be keeping up with the team at Create! and their students on Facebook, their bloggie and on Twitter. They teach many classes for kids and it's just so cool to see some shining, young faces rocking their own creations! All hope is not lost for the future of our crafty nation!



Unforunately, manfriend was at the helm here and I obviously look short buuuuuuuuuuut I did make this skirt!

Gotta Love It +

Never Underestimate The Power Of A Woman With A Sewing Machine, originally uploaded by Rosie Geissler.

Ummm can you stand how awesome this is? Yeah, neither can I. I absolutely ADORE this. I mean it. ADORE.

Petal and Pink, Yes Please

Hey Hey Hey, so I exciting news of the week is that I won a pair of earrings from that ab fab Petal and Pink, can you believe it? ... I have won things before (Indigo Girls tickets... the closer I am to fiihiiiiine, yeah) but I must say that when Erin let me know I had won her Icicle Earrings, I had been having a crap day. Mayhaps the stars aligned so that my day was made to be 100 times better with just one tweet. See my soon to be lovelies below:

Erin wrote a super little blurb about mi little ol' bloggie so I thought I would write a little bit about Petal and Pink because #1 Her jewelry is snazzy and pretty and pretty snazzy #2 I am returning the bloggin' love and #3 Upon giving her my address we realized that we are not very far away from eachother... Totally small world, am I right?

Anyhoo, I wanted you to check out her Etsy shop because her jewelry is romantical and feminine... I wanted you to check out her blog because among other things she has "Outfit of the Day" posts which are adorbs! If you are addicted to Twitter like me? You can Follow her @PetalandPink.

In closing, I love me some crafty goodness. I love me some local crafty goodness. The only thing I think I would change about Ms.Erin of Petal and Pink? Is her dislike of cats. My kitten is an angel I tell you, an angel.

Vintage Makes Me Happy

As someone with very eclectic tastes, I find it hard to just be influenced by the latest fashions, prints and designs. One morning, I will wake up and want to wear skinny jeans tucked into boots with a modern jacket and scarf and another morning I have to wear a reconstructed dress aquired at a boutique. There is no one way that I like to be influenced... modern or vintage, I embrace it all...one thing is for certain though, that vintage anything makes me happy and I just don't know why.

Preserving the past isn't just for museums and history books. Vintage shops across the country are keeping it real with styles from the past. From brick and morter joints to ebay shops to online presences, I can get my fix all over the place. Scarf here, clutch there, dress me up in vintage duds.

One of my friends ( I can call you a friend now, Kara) co-owns a Vintage clothes shop in Carrboro, NC called Roulette Vintage. It's adorable and ecclectic, mixing vintage pieces with local designers and a dash of Kara and Rebecca's creations. You can shop in store, you can shop online... what more could you ask for? There is just something so special about previously loved and interesting items. They are almost one of a kind in most cases. Love love love.

One of my favorite online Vintage clothiers is Twitch Vintage; she has an ebay store but also an ajoining blog which is kind of fun. Even if I don't intend to buy, I always browse because you never know what will inspire you.

Speaking of inspiration, have you ever heard of Lookbook.nu? Well if you haven't please take a gander because it's basically peeps like you and me from all of the world showcasing their own personal style. It's really rad and I like to check in once in awhile. Fashion inspiration is nothing short of a lot of fun. Check out some of the members below, the ones that caught my eye on my recent stop by.

All photo credits to lookbook.nu

I take my inspiration where I can get it... and I gladly let others lay their ideas on me. Sharing is caring, so let me know if you have a great Vintage clothes shop you just love to shop at!

My New Header ala "Stuff in a Martini Glass"

A good friend of mine, Miss Kristin, agreed to help me design a header/ logo for my blog being that she does some design work on her own through Stuff.in.a.Martini.Glass. She agreed to do it pro bono to beef up her portfolio and also because I firmly believe she wanted to help a sistah out. So I gave her the below rough sketch based on an idea that I had for "Prim and Propah" tanks, as a sort of play on being girly but also kicking butt and taking names, whilst crafting.

She came up with an absolutely adorable tank theme with browns, yellows and pinks and incorporated buttons and threads (for obvious reasons) but also shook it up with some martinis and cupcakes (Mmmmm, sounds like a perfect night in). She not only did this very professionally for me (asking all the right questions and tailoring it to my tastes) but she did it pretty darn efficiently/quickly... so I had no time to get impatient!

Check out her header for moi and also the button that she did for the blog as well. I am elated because I am starting to feel like this little bloggie of mine is coming together into something that I can be proud of and spend time on, while not feeling like I am wasting away without a creative outlet.

New Blog Header, Holla!

Blog Button, Holla!



Check out some of Kristin's made to order Martini's that are pretty fun if you ask little ol' me. All you have to do is share an idea and she can work with you to make your ideas/dreams/wishes a reality. Was that a smidge over the top?? Wellp, I am pretty happy with my blog header if you haven't noticed yet.

Send ideas to designs@stuffinamartini.com



The Green-tini



The Zombie-tini

The TKO-tini

Martini Music

 

Working towards a cure

Being that it is October, National Breast Cancer Awareness month, I am starting to think about my plans for the next year and my volunteering with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I have done the Breast Cancer 3-day in the past and LOVED it. Would want to do it again but not all by my lonesome.  I lucked out the last time around by meeting some great gals along the way, but wouldn't want to chance it not happening like that again.

I am setting out right now, to enlist at least one more person to raise sweet moola for a great cause and experience something wonderful. We shall see if I can work some magic. Somewhere in the world, every 69 seconds, a woman dies from Breast Cancer. This statistic makes me sad but so many women are also inspirations. Check out some of their stories... I am sure there are a million more like it out there.

www.feelyourboobies.org

Oooh Ooooh Turban!

One of my vintage twitter acquaintances, Twitch Vintage, posted a blog tutorial on a really fun turban like headband. So Obvi, I decided to do my own, with a twist. I spent awhile on this tonight but am happy I did. Love me some crafty productivity just for the heck of it!

I started by wrapping some jersey cotton that I needed to discard in twine until I was satisfied with the coverage. There was no method to my madness just madness to my method...

 

Obvi, I couldn't just keep the white as it was, so I chose the Golden Yellow for tonight's fun with fabrics...

Like a gross soup made with dye, string and fabric... I stewed my goodies in a bucket in the bathroom while we watched our DVR'd Jersey Shore, occasionally pausing to give 'er and ol' stir...

After a good ol' washing, I have some pretty run of the mill tie dye effects but better than plain, that is for sure...

 

After following the tutorial once, I created my own version with two extra loops to make a thicker band.

Thankfully, I have a live in photographer. Thanks Manfriend.

I love it when I am inspired by other like-minded peeps. Now I have a quick and easy project that I can do at the drop of a hat.

Tis the Season...

... for baking and yummy smells of Fall. Manfriend benefited from a spontaneous urge to be "Autumny"... I baked a Trader Joe's Pumpkin bread, we enjoyed Topsfield fair Kettle corn, he warmed up some apple cider and to top the gluttony off, apple cinnamon donuts were dipped in said hot cider. Gluttons for Fall, that's what we are... but mmmm did it taste good.

My next project will surely be our family's Pumpkin Crumb Cake, the recipe which I am sure came from a magazine or something yeeeeeears ago but we love it just the same. It's pretty easy and oh so yummy. I copied and pasted (see below) exactly how my mother sends this recipe around. Try it if you dare... to be delicious!

Pumpkin Crumb Cake

1 box of yellow cake mix (can be extra moist)
1 can of pumpkin
Butter
Brown sugar
Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Bisquick or jiffy mix

Heat oven to 400 degrees.


Follow the directions on the yellow cake mix. Add the can of pumpkin and beat together. Add ¼ cup of jiffy mix and beat til creamy.


Put the mixture in your pan of choice.

Crumb topping:


1 softened stick of butter
1cup of brown sugar
1 and 1/2 cups of bisquick


Mix all these ingredients together with a whisk or your fingers (clean fingers, remember hand hygiene). Spread over your cake mix and bake.


Make sure the cake is finished cooking in the middle because it bubbles up and can fool you.


Enjoy!

Barb Fights Like a Girl

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This is a cause that is near and dear to me. Having a grandmother that endured breast cancer was an eye opening experience. She was diagnosed in the mid eighties, when I was just a little kid. To think, had she not survived, I would have never known her. I am grateful for the chance to have her in my life and thank God she "fought like a girl" and booted that cancer out the door.

My mother tells the story like this. Her mother, we'll call her Barb, well... because that's her name, called her up one day. Barb said she had just returned from the hospital where she had one of her breast removed; she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. She was starting treatments. My mom was like, "whaaa whaaa whaaat?" My grandma dealt with it all on her own, not telling her children until she had undergone surgery. I can't even imagine the strength that must have taken... what a real challenge that requires emotional and physical energy... she went through a lot... and this could explain her smidge of later in life curmudgeoness. ;) All in all? She rocks. I love her. She makes me proud.


Barb is a "Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor"

Because this cause has been close to my heart, I have tried to volunteer my time over the years/ do something to raise awareness/ much needed funds. When in college, my rugby team volunteered for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. We worked the registration before the walk began. This was my first taste of just how many people were affected by Breast Cancer. I will never forget for the rest of my life, one woman who was registered for the walk. She was late to check in and was concerned about being able to leave during the walk and then coming back (something that usually wasn't allowed). She had to leave to attend her mother's funeral. She had passed due to breast cancer just days before. The words I'll never forget, "My mom would have wanted me to do this."

Amplify that experience by 10 and you have the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day. I raised over $2000 just to be able to participate (some of which I had to donate myself). The fundraising in and of itself was a job and took me nearly 5 months to do. I still maintain that the "Booze for Boobs" fundraiser was the best and was a major contributing factor in raising awareness among friends (shout out to John, Cristina and June for helping to throw that killer bash). Come time for the 3 day, 60 mile walk, I was by myself and afraid to spend 3 days walking on my lonesome. WAS.NOT.THE.CASE. I met Wendy at minute one. Jill and Heather shortly thereafter, Rachel and her mom after that. These were women who were a constant support even though we had only known eachother for a short time. The cause brought us together to a 60 mile, teary-eyed emotional roller coaster of sharing and caring... an experience I'll never forget. I called Barb on my ride home to cry a little (you have no idea how emotional it is and how very tiring walking 60 miles can be) and just express my joy in her survival. I hope she got it. I love her and did it for her and all the other families that have dealt with this.

Breast Cancer 3-Day with women I didn't know until we bonded over such an emotional and physical experience.

Barb has been in remission for well over 20 years, so now we can joke about it... joke about the dog dragging her gel breast insert, aka "chicken cutlet", out into the living room, whilst also destroying tissues while he was at it. He obvi didn't want her to stuff her bra. She has a great sense of humor, can totally take a joke and gives it as good as she gets it. Barb= Hot Ticket... and we are lucky to have her with us.


Me and Barb, August 2010, browsing used books

PS. Some of my favorite breast cancer awareness jobbies? Susan G. Komen for the cure, The National Breast Cancer Foundation,  Avon Foundation for Women, and Breast Cancer.Org.


PPS. Barb has given me many things in this life, love, affection, annoying email forwards (just kidding Barb, they're cute) but the greatest gift that wonderful woman ever gave me... and my mother... and my cousin... were D's and DD's. Rock on chesty girls!

Rachel Roy, How Do I Love Thee?

Oh, Rachel Roy... we wanna talk Girl Powah, we can talk Rachel Roy. Her clothes are nothing short of awesome and you wanna know why? They are superbly interesting but also very wearble. I certainly take some fashion inspiration from her fabulosity and also yearn to own many pieces from her lines Not to fear ladies, she has some very affordable options (Rachel by Rachel Roy) and also is sold in department stores, such as Macy's, as well. Please do yourself a favor and CHECK.HER.OUT.NOW.HERE

PS. I wish I were good at working with silky, softer, lighter fabrics... I'd be all over this.


PPS. Happy Birthday to my rockin' sister, Mallory Ann Davis. She rocks my world.